Which place is cheaper, Maui or Saint John?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint John or Maui?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint John and Maui. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Saint John or Maui?
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
Maui
Who hasn't spent at least one Monday morning fantasizing about holding a mai tai on a Hawaiian beach? A trip to Maui may be just what we all have in mind, but it's so much more than a drink on a sandy towel.
At over 700 square miles, the island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands with a small population of just over 140,000 people. The island enjoys approximately two seasons a year with a mild climate just about everywhere. Rough living, right?
Voted "Best Island in the World" by many in the travel industry, Maui is the center for whale watching, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and the home of a large and lush rainforest.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John $192Maui $275
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John is $192, while the average daily cost in Maui is $275. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint John and Maui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John $106Maui $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John $212Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Saint John and Maui
Looking for a hotel in Saint John or Maui? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Maui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John $49Maui $62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:
- Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
- Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
- Maui to Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) - Departure Private Transfer: $85
- Private Customizable Island Tour with Transfer: $500
- Private Customizable Road to Hana Tour with Transfer: $500
- Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $31
- Private Departure Transfer to Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $78
- Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Kahului Airport(OGG): $80
- Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Maui city hotels: $80
- Private Transfer from Maui City Hotels to Lahaina Cruise Port: $80
- Private transfer: Kahului Airport (OGG) to Kahului: $99
- Private transfer: Kahului to Kahului Airport (OGG): $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John or Maui?
Prices for flights to both Maui and Saint John change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySaint John $56Maui $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Maui
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maui.
- From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $120
- From Ma'alaea Harbor: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise Aboard Calypso: $130
- Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise : $140
- Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
- South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
- Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Lahaina for 2 People: $170
- Premium Dinner Cruise: Four Course Dining Experience - Ma'alaea: $170
- Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard Pride of Maui: $187
- Haleakala's Best Sunset Tour with Dinner: $210
- Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance plus Dinner: $219
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John $23Maui $38
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
Tours and Activities in Maui
Here are a few actual costs in Maui for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- South Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Ultimate Self-Driving Audio Tour of Road to Hana, Maui: $17
- Kahului: Self-Driving Audio Tour of Road to Hana: $17
- Self-Guided Audio Tours - Full Island: $20
- Maui Bundle: 6 In-App Driving And Walking Audio Tours: $30
- All Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
- Reefdancer Semi-Sub Boat Cruise from Lahaina Harbor: $54
- Small-Group Ghost Walking Tour in Maui: $59
- Taste of Hawaii: A Maui Farm Tour: $69
- Maui Pineapple Farm Tour in Haliimaile: $75
- Hali'imaile: Pineapple Farm Tour: $75
- 3 Hours Guided Koa Kai Snorkel Adventure & Sunset Combo: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John $44Maui $41
Sample the Local Flavors in Maui
Also in Maui, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Goat Farm, Distillery, & Glass-Blowing Tour w/ Tasting: $224
- Maui Tour : Iao Valley, Hawaiian Distillery and Lavender Farm Tour: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Saint John much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John is in Caribbean Islands and Maui is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Saint John would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint John and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui than you might in Saint John.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint John Expensive? and Is Maui Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint John or Maui?
Maui has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint John or Maui in the Summer?
Both Maui and Saint John are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint John is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint John in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).
In July, Saint John usually receives more rain than Maui. Saint John gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John 29°C (83°F)Maui 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Maui in the Autumn?
Both Maui and Saint John during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Saint John is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 28°C (82°F), and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John. Saint John usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Saint John gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John 28°C (82°F)Maui 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Maui in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John and Maui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Saint John is a little warmer than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
Maui receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint John usually receives less rain than Maui. Saint John gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John 26°C (78°F)Maui 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Maui in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint John as well as Maui. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Saint John is a little warmer than Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint John in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).
Saint John usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Saint John gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John 27°C (80°F)Maui 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Maui and Saint John
| Saint John | Maui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.